We just had a very special anniversary!

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They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in my heart, I understand this more than most! Thirteen years ago in August, just a day after my oldest left for college, I sat down and wrote my very first blog post. It was an emotional day; we were preparing for a new chapter in our lives as Alexandra embarked on her own adventure.

Before she left, I asked her, "What will you miss most about home?" Her answer touched me deeply, and set me on a path I never could have imagined. She said, "I can't imagine not being here on Sundays, cooking and enjoying dinner together. It's what we do every Sunday!"

The simple tradition of our family gathering around the table for Sunday supper was what she would miss most. Those words took me back to my childhood in Portugal, spent in my grandmother's kitchen where she would lovingly prepare dinner and always save the finest meats for Sunday.

She kept her favorite recipes hidden in a special recipe book, which she later gave to me. That book is full of our family's cooking secrets, a link to the past that I now treasure. I even have my very own Portuguese rooster sitting on my kitchen shelves; I feel it brings me good luck, and it reminds me of my loved ones while I cook!

Alexandra's response and those memories of my grandmother's kitchen pushed me to start my blog. It wasn't easy; at the time, I didn't have any special writing skills, knew nothing about technology, and hadn't even ventured into social media. Believe it or not, I wasn't even on Facebook. But, my passion was strong, and I was determined to create easy family dinner ideas that busy families like ours could enjoy. Especially on Sundays, the perfect day to slow down, reconnect, and share a meal together!

Sunday cooking is the best, because it leaves you with delicious leftovers for the rest of the week, making those busy days easier and letting you enjoy a bit of Sunday all week long.

I had no idea where my blogging journey would take me, and I have cherished every moment of it. It's hard to believe that my youngest, Riley, was in 4th grade when I started my blog, and Alexandra was just starting college. So much has changed since those early days!

With all of the craziness and stress of the past few months, I nearly forgot to celebrate this special anniversary. I am so glad I remembered, so that I could tell you how grateful I am to have taken that first step and for your support along the way. It has meant the world to me and my family.

If there's ever an idea to start something new calling to you, I hope my story inspires you to take that leap. If I can do it, you can too!

Today, I’m excited to share with you our top 10 all-time recipes. Many of these have been with me since my first year of blogging. I’d love to know if you’ve tried any of them!

Your friend,
Isabel

Missed a week? Check out my previous blog post!

My Top 10 Sunday Suppers